Lady Stars struggle against surging Lake Michigan College

Rich Schenck
Sports Editor

The LCC women's basketball team (1-1 MCCAA West, 5-10 overall) fell 73-55 to a Lake Michigan College (3-0 MCCAA West, 13-2 overall) squad that entered the Gannon Gym Jan. 9 on a nine-game winning streak.

"They definitely came in here prepared; they were a strong team," LCC Assistant Coach Anita Castellon said. "They play well together and they communicate well together."

The Lady Stars came into the game having won three of their last five games, including a 61-51 win at home against last place Jackson College (0-4 MCCAA West, 2-14 overall) Jan. 4.

Against Lake Michigan, it was a struggle offensively for LCC from start to finish. The Stars did not lead the entire night.

"We were trying to get into the post more," LCC sophomore Mackenzie Geister said. "Just go inside-out instead of running up the court, shooting it and being one and done."

The Lady Stars found themselves down 35-21 at halftime, converting only 36 percent (9 of 25) of their shots, while allowing LMC to convert nearly 60 percent (7 of 12) from three-point range.

"Our defense didn't come out and execute the way we were expecting it do," Castellon said. "We needed to close the zone a little tighter. They have some good shooters, they play well together and you can see it in their record."

In a game where not very much didn't go right for LCC, there were a few bright spots. The freshman duo of Chasity Potter and Courtney Wolf combined for 27 points on 42 percent shooting from the field.

The Lady Stars began the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run, but the momentum was quickly derailed after LCC freshman Keiarra Guy was called for a technical foul. LMC's 10-point lead quickly grew to 65-45.

Castellon explained it has taken some time for the team to adapt to the season's game plan with injuries and numbers on the bench.

"We just need to adjust individually and as a team," she said. "Make some minor adjustments up high, down low on both zone and in man-to-man. Once we make those, I think we'll be ready for when we go down there."

The Lady Stars were scheduled to travel to Kalamazoo to take on No. 12 Kalamazoo Valley CC (3-0 MCCAA West, 14-1 overall) but the game was postponed.

LCC was scheduled to host Grand Rapids CC (2-2 MCCAA West, 8-7 overall) Jan. 16 and then travel to face Kellogg CC (1-2 MCCAA West, 4-8 overall) Jan. 20.